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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Reflections on a Year of Blogging

This is me reflecting, guys!

Well, that went by fast! That's right, readers, today is my one-year blogiversary. On this day last year, I wrote my first post - just a short hello - and sent it out into the interwebs. When I look back on my early posts, I can see clearly how blogging felt like an awkward proposition at times. (I'm still embarrassed by the way I addressed my audience as "darlings" in my first post. I never talk like that!) I wasn't quite comfortable in my writing voice or the medium, but that's okay. Keeping this blog current on a daily basis has certainly made me a stronger writer - or at least one who's confident in my own voice.

But the amazing thing is how many of you stop by on a regular basis now! I don't know if I can adequately express my gratitude for that. I look forward to your comments and e-mails every day (even if I've been a little lax in responding to all of them lately). I always had high hopes for this blog - and I continue to feel that ambition. I think constantly about what I can do to improve it, and what people want to read.

I really have you readers and commenters to thank for guiding me during this year. My first post on feminism was sparked by a reader comment, and the response was immediate. That post lit a spark for me: here was the intersection of two areas I felt passionately about. I had no idea so many others wanted to hash this stuff out too! We've dealt with some tricky territory in past posts. Thank you for doing so with grace and compassion.

But, of course, what really unites us all is a love of sewing. I'm still working on my initial goal of sewing all 14 fashions from Vogue's New Book for Better Sewing, and there have been a lot of other projects thrown in the mix as well. I know for sure that my sewing has improved! Getting involved in the sewing blogosphere is like having a huge, built-in network of sewing buddies. I've been saved by your expertise many a time.

So what's on the plate for year two? Most importantly, I want to complete my VoNBBS project. Beyond that, the goal is just to keep on trucking here. I continue to strive for a good mix of technique, discussion, and fashion posts, but that's often easier said than done. I would love to do more tutorials, but they're quite labor-intensive and I fear burn-out if I get in over my head. But tips and technique are a huge part of what we talk about here, and that definitely won't change.

Anyway, the point of this post is really to say thank you all for an amazing year. I have met (virtually and in person) so many awesome new friends. Here's to the next year!

I'll be having an anniversary giveaway, which I'll announce later today. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say there will be two prizes from an independent sewing business that everyone adores - and for good reason!

66 comments:

I can't believe your blog is only a year old. It seems so confident, professional, witty and established. Well done on one of the best sewing blogs going. Long may it continue. Has a publisher approached you to write a book yet? They should!

Hooray!I am new to blogging, but you're right - it's such a satisfying experience. I find i look at things in different ways, and am spurred on to finish things by the thought of a magnificent blog post it will make. It is so grand to hear your experience and to see how far you have come in a year. An inspiration! And rightly so.

This is my first comment but I have followed your blog for nearly a year. Congratulations on a job well done! You are an excellent writer/teacher/seamstress, and this blog is the perfect forum for you to share your creative talents while inspiring your growing audience. Next project? I'm thinking a book!

Congratulations on your blogoversary! Is that even a word? Anyways, congratulations on one of the most interesting, entertaining and well-written sewing blogs out there. I don't know if I've ever ccommented, but I come here on a daily basis and always enjoy reading your posts.

Congratulations ! In just one year your sewing blog has done remarkably well.One of my faves. One never knows how things will go in this blogging game, but I feel there is such a thriving vintage community now, that our time has come !

I think your blog was just a few weeks old when I first fell upon it. It's actually with your blog that I started to follow more and more sewing blogs. Now I entered my first sew along (Summer essentials) and that's a little because of you. Plus I'm always pleased to discover new things (such as those curious and amazing Prom dress stuffs) thanks to you.

I work full time and have a little girl. I sew and knit when I can and I don't always achieve a lot. Having your blog to visit keeps me inspired. Even if it is weeks before I can touch my fabric and machine, it all still feels ok. Thanks for a wonderful blog and congratulations

Congratulations! I really appreciate that you manage to do all of this in your spare time. Thank you! Your blog put so many of my own thoughts about sewing and feminism together in a much more coherent way than I ever could have written - I look forward to your posts every day.

Hooray for the one year anniversary! Here's hoping you write for many more years to come.Confess this comes from a rather selfish place. As a recent convert to your blog, I enjoy starting every day with your superb and often thought provoking writing.... Thanks so much!

Wow--has it been a year already? It feels like you've been on the blog scene for so much longer! ;) Happy Blog Birthday! I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts and getting to know you, learn with you about sewing, and seeing your rad projects! Keep it up Gertie!

Gertie, I've had a sewing machine for a very short while, and haven't even attempted my first pattern yet. BUT I'm so inspired by your blog each day - sometimes I read it just to hear your positive outlook on life. In my journey to learn how to make a few garments for myself, your blog will be my first resource. Please don't ever stop! You're videos are also great, I'm a very visual learner so keep them coming! (I'm thinking of your Heidi braids demo ☺)

I am grateful that you are here in the blogosphere! You inspire me, amuse me, challenge me and best of all, open a window into your personal philosophy. This is one of my favorite blogs for the mix of fashion, sewing and thoughtful reflection on life.

Happy anniversary, Gertie! I can't believe it's only been a year -- what did I do in the pre-Gertie days? I can't remember what it was like starting my day without stopping by here for my daily dose of your warmth and wit. Thanks so much for the steadfast inspiration!

Congratulations on the blog anniversary! (like others, I'm very surprised you've only been doing this for a year!) I'm glad to be able to hear your thoughtful musings on sewing/fashion/feminism/etc. Here's to more great years!

Gertie, your blog is such an enjoyable, yet thought-provoking daily ritual for me.

But, I don't see how you do it all; work, blog daily, searching ways to improve AND sew such beautiful garments as you push your skill boundaries. I am in awe of your ambitious, full life.

But most of all, I am so very, very thankful that you have shared in a way (grace, humor and warmth) that brings so many of us together. Your audience is such a diverse group whose thoughts have stirred my own. You allow us - encourage us - to express ourselves both with sewing and exchanging ideas. (what a gift you have!)

It is no wonder that your blog has been so successful. I have no doubt that further opportunities will come to you through this experience. You absolutely shine!

Hi Gertie. I've been following your blog since day one and I love everything about it. You definitely have a deep love of sewing and do not hesitate to share that with the rest of us. I also love when you bring some succinct issues to the forefront thereby making us realize that there is a world that exists outside of our sewing rooms. You've inspired me to search for my own copy of VoNBBS. Who knows, I may stitch up vintage creation one of these days.Congratulations,Angela

I have to say that I love your blog (it's amoungst my shortlist of my daily must-visit list). You have a lovely turn of words, and I never feel bambozzled with how you explain things/techniques & ideas (which is especially useful to a novice sewist such as myself)... I'd have guessed you'd been doing this much longer than a year, because the warm feel & embracing spirit of your own little corner of the interweb is so well established - it's a credit to your hard work & the friendly sharing atmosphere you've fostered here for everyone - a very heartfelt well done there lady!!

Congratulations on making it to one year. It has been an incredible year. I enjoy reading your blog very much and would be sad if you ever went away. So please take care of yourself and don't allow burnout to set in. Do what is best for you. Whatever you write, we will love, even if it's a short little post. They don't all have to be amazing. We love you as for who you are as a person, not just for your great content! I think you're pretty neat

Congradulations on your year. Thank you for taking time to write your blog. Since I stumbled across it, I look forward to reading it everymorning. You are part of my wake-up routine! I enjoy each and every one of your posts. I am looking forward to what next year will bring.

Congrats! I haven't followed your blog for very long, so I get to take full advantage of your archive. I'm always excited when I find a post that I missed. It is so impressive that on a nearly daily basis, you find something new to say that can be thought provoking, funny, inspirational, or all of these things. I wasn't able to do it. Thanks. I look forward to following your second year.

Congratulations! I am a regular reader and find lots of info and inspiration here. And please, I hope someday you write about time managing your projects - you are such a fast sewer and that's an area in which I could improve!

Congratulations and job well done! Your blog has some many things of goodness: vintage clothes, sewing, techniques, tips, feminism and fashion...Thanks so much for all the thought and effort that goes into presenting it!

Congratulations on a year of (excellent) blogging! I will be very surprised if a book doesn't emerge from GNBfBS. Thanks for all the time and devotion you put into this blog for your growing community of fans.

Congratulations, it is always an interesting and often provocative read. You have encouraged me to try hand pricked zips and I am trying my first tailored jacket as soon as I find the right fabric. Keep up the inspirational and educational posts. Here's to another great year.

I'm generally a lurker - a daily lurker - but a lurker nonetheless and just had to comment on your anniversary! I enjoy your posts so much and have been motivated to return to sewing! I wish you many more years of blogging and will read every funny, informative, and retro-stylish word!

Gertie, I have a zillion blogs on my list but you are the first one I check each day. You inspire me. I took home ec in junior high school in the 1960 and I loved it. I sewed but my mom was a much better seamstress and she always "took over'Now I can read your blog, learn tips and know there are some wonderful clothes just waiting to be made. Thanks you and Happy Anniversay

Coming from the days when a tall plus size girl had to sew if she wanted something to wear, I enjoy not having to sew if I don't want to. Reading your blog, reminds me of the fun part of sewing. Lately I have taken up the making of costumes for the high school play. It is once again a pleasure to think about sewing and read interesting blogs about the pursuit.